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Why Our 4-Acre Park Will Change the Way You Experience Affordable Independent Living

  • Colin Doylend
  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read
Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society Property Overview

Administrative Summary

  • Entity: Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society (MDSHS)

  • Location: 100-1552 Arrow Road, Victoria, BC, V8N 1C5

  • Status: Operational

  • Sector: Affordable Independent Living / Senior Housing Victoria BC

  • Primary Asset: 4-Acre Park-Like Property

  • Infrastructure: Mount Douglas Manor (Completed 2019)

  • Capacity: 84 Residential Units

  • Target Demographic: Seniors aged 55 and older

1. Property Site Specifications

The facility occupies a 4-acre (1.62-hectare) land parcel in the Gordon Head district of Saanich. This site is designated for high-density senior residential use with a primary focus on environmental integration.

1.1 Environmental Infrastructure

The property features established landscaping, mature tree canopy, and green space management.

  • Acreage: 4.00 acres.

  • Topography: Generally level terrain with integrated walking paths.

  • Flora: Managed gardens, lawn areas, and native tree species.

  • Fauna: Documented wildlife activity including local deer populations.

Landscaped gardens with wildlife presence

1.2 Wellbeing and Independence Impact

The 4-acre perimeter provides a controlled environment for outdoor mobility. Data indicates that access to green space supports cognitive maintenance and physical health in individuals 55+.

  • Mobility Support: Level paths accommodate residents with varying mobility levels.

  • Mental Health Correlation: Visual and physical access to landscaped environments reduces urban stressors.

  • Social Interaction Zones: Designated outdoor seating and community garden plots facilitate resident engagement.

2. Housing Unit Logistics: Mount Douglas Manor

Mount Douglas Manor is the primary residential structure on the property. It adheres to Built Green Gold technology standards.

2.1 Unit Breakdown

The inventory consists of 84 rental units designed for independent living.

  • Studio Units: 36 units.

  • One-Bedroom Units: 48 units.

  • Accessible Units: 2 units featuring full wheelchair accessibility.

2.2 Pricing and Financial Tiers

Rental rates are structured to maintain affordability in the Victoria BC market.

  • Studio Rate: $974 per month.

  • One-Bedroom Rate: $1,090 – $1,180 per month.

  • Additional Fees: On-site parking ($30 per month).

Mount Douglas Manor Building Exterior

3. On-Site Amenities and Internal Systems

The facility provides centralized services to support independent living.

3.1 Communal Infrastructure

  • Agnew Lounge: Multipurpose room for organized activities and social interaction.

  • BBQ Patio: External infrastructure for seasonal food preparation.

  • Community Garden Plots: Dedicated zones for resident-led horticulture.

  • Scooter Room: Secure storage and charging area for mobility devices.

3.2 Operational Protocols

  • Smoking Policy: Restricted to designated outdoor areas only.

  • Pet Policy: Pet-free environment.

  • Staffing: Executive Director (Colin Doylend) and administrative support.

Interior multipurpose community lounge

4. Geographical Context: Gordon Head Amenities

The property is situated in Saanich’s urban core. Proximity to external amenities is a key factor for resident independence.

4.1 Proximity Data

Distances are approximate from the 1552 Arrow Road site.

  • Education/Culture: University of Victoria (UVic) – 1.2 km.

  • Library Services: Victoria Public Library (Nelly McClung Branch) – 0.8 km.

  • Retail: University Heights Shopping Centre and Shelbourne Plaza – 0.6 km to 1.0 km.

  • Medical: Local clinics and pharmacies located within a 1.5 km radius.

4.2 Transportation Infrastructure

  • Bus Routes: Accessible transit stops on Arrow Road and Shelbourne Street.

  • Walking Score: High pedestrian accessibility for daily requirements.

Gordon Head neighborhood streetscape near UVic

5. Regulatory and Eligibility Framework

Access to housing at MDSHS is subject to specific criteria and provincial regulations.

5.1 Eligibility Requirements

Prospective residents must meet the following technical criteria:

  • Age: Minimum 55 years.

  • Residency: Permanent resident of British Columbia.

  • Independence: Ability to live independently without 24-hour medical supervision.

  • Income Thresholds: Priority units for seniors earning below $30,000 per annum.

5.2 Application Process

The application process involves multiple steps to verify eligibility.

  1. Initial Inquiry: Contact via info@mdshs.net or 250-721-1818.

  2. Waitlist Management: Applications are processed based on unit availability and priority needs.

  3. Provincial Coordination: Alignment with BC Housing standards for subsidized units.

6. Site Maintenance and Management

The 4-acre property requires consistent maintenance to preserve the park-like environment.

6.1 Maintenance Schedules

  • Landscaping: Weekly lawn care and seasonal garden maintenance.

  • Infrastructure: Regular inspections of the Built Green Gold systems.

  • Security: Building access control systems and site monitoring.

6.2 History of Management

The Society was established in 1966 via the Anglican Church Women’s “Care of the Elderly” fund. The property was donated by the ACW. The 2019 expansion was supported by the Province of B.C., the Capital Regional District, and the District of Saanich.

7. Statistical Comparison: Senior Housing Victoria BC

Data regarding affordable independent living in the Victoria region highlights the MDSHS value proposition.

Feature

MDSHS Specification

Regional Average (Estimated)

Acreage

4.0 Acres

< 1.0 Acre (Urban)

Studio Rate

$974

$1,200+

Completion Year

2019

Variable (Older Inventory)

Sustainability

Built Green Gold

Standard Building Code

8. Technical Specifications of "Park-Like" Wellbeing

The integration of natural elements into senior housing is categorized under "Biophilic Design" in architectural standards.

8.1 Physiological Indicators

Exposure to the 4-acre environment at MDSHS correlates with:

  • Reduced Cortisol Levels: Monitored through standard environmental health metrics.

  • Increased Physical Activity: Measured by the utilization of the 4.0-acre site paths.

  • Enhanced Air Quality: Impact of mature tree canopy on micro-climate regulation.

8.2 Community Cohesion

The Agnew Lounge and the 4-acre grounds function as hubs for resident interaction.

  • Function: Multipurpose social facilitation.

  • Metric: Resident participation in gardening and BBQ events.

9. Contact and Procedural Updates

To initiate the eligibility assessment or to request further technical data regarding Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society, utilize the following channels:

10. Conclusion of Report

The 4-acre property at Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society serves as a primary driver for wellbeing in the 55+ demographic. The combination of Gordon Head location, affordable pricing structure, and park-like setting fulfills the institutional mandate of providing supportive independent living environments in Victoria, BC.

End of Document.File Reference: MDSHS-BLOG-04-2026Authorized by: Colin Doylend, Executive Director

 
 
 

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